My name is Nick, and this past summer I went with YOM on a trip to Honduras. I’ve planned on going into full time foreign missions for over three years now. So, it’s not super surprising that I went on a missions trip this past summer. I went because I kept hearing that the missions teams all needed more guys on them. My vacation this summer was only supposed to be for one week, and I didn’t have any free money, but I’d been meaning to go on a trip at some point, and the need was out there. So, I decided to sign up for a trip and see what happened. God opened all the doors: I was accepted onto the team, the money came in, and the school extended my vacation time. I’m so glad God allowed me to go on this trip.

As someone who had never been out of the Southeastern Unites States, taking a trip to a foreign country had a lot of appeal. I had several Hondurans in my prayer group who really love their country, and that really piqued my interest in Honduras. Honduras is a beautiful country. The terrain around Tegucigalpa is mountainous: scrubby towards the end of the dry season, but green as the rains rolled in towards the middle of June. The people are friendly, and like any people, differ from subculture to subculture. Some are poor, some are rich; some are well educated, others not; some are highly motivated, others take only what is handed to them. Honduras is a highly evangelized country. Cars and public buses everywhere read “The Lord is my Shepherd” or “God is love.” But, the people are confused when it comes to the actual truths of the Bible. Historically, Honduras is Catholic, but missionaries from many nations and many religions have been very active, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Charismatics, and Protestant churches are common. The need isn’t so much for the name of Jesus to be heard, but for people to know and understand the God of the Bible.

During our two weeks in Honduras, the team had a lot of fun. We visited a cave, a national monument, a rocky outcrop overlooking Sabanagrande, and several local shops and restaurants. We spent time with the Hodges family, and enjoyed the end of semester banquet for their seminary students. It wasn’t all just fun! We also worked. We cleaned buses and floors, dug trenches, mopped after flooding, and helped to throw an outreach fair at the church. We went to more than eight different schools within an hour of the church, as well as one school in La Paz, and gave candy, pencils, and the book of Romans to over 900 students. At least one person got saved during church visitation our first week.

We got to see a ministry in action, and we got to lend a hand and meet some needs. It was a fun trip, and it was a productive trip. The need was there, and I hope that I’ve been a blessing and a help. The need is still out there, and not just in Honduras. Get involved. Not because of some special calling, but because it is a command; because it makes sense; and because you will be blessed.

Nick

If I had to sum up this trip in one word, the word would be ‘experience’. From riding on the luggage in an overstuffed bus, buying produce on the side of the road, hearing the cheers of schoolchildren as we got off the bus, or seeing a person happily take a tract and read it, this trip brought opportunities and events that were outside of normal life. Having these experiences has been another stepping stone in continuing down the path that God has set before me.

On this trip I learned that my Christian life/service cannot be based on the circumstances or environment around me. It is my choice and responsibility to serve God wholeheartedly wherever He has placed me at this time.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most was the ministry work that we did. Whether through songs, skits, telling a missionary story, or handing out tracts, I loved being able to serve in these ways. The Hodges were gracious and helpful as we “took over” their home and life for those two weeks. They were a blessing in their attitudes and in all the time that they took to answer our questions and guide us around. These missions trips are a great way to gain experience and to allow God to broaden your horizon. Along the way, you will build friendships, deal with problems, share the fun spots, and most importantly, give God a greater opportunity to mold your life.

Callie

I am very thankful for the Hodges’ refreshing passion for and dedication in God’s service. Seeing them faithfully serve through the problems that arise literally every day in their ministry and in their lives has motivated and challenged me to serve faithfully where God has and will put me. I have enjoyed getting to know everybody better this trip, whether it be the Hodges, their kids, the Houks, or the rest of the team. I am thankful for the positive attitude and hard-working, can-do spirit exhibited by my teammates; it really kept me on track and focused. One part of the trip that was especially touching for me was when we went into the schools. All of the children there are so receptive to the gospel! After our presentation, we were able to hand out a portion of the Bible (Romans) to all of the school kids. At one of the schools that we visited early on in the trip, Pastor Hodges had them turn to a passage in the Romans booklet that we just given them and all of the kids read God’s Holy Word aloud. We were able simply to walk in and do that, unlike a public school in the States. He also told them to read a chapter every day and read it to their parents and grandparents who may not know how to read. It was a huge witnessing opportunity, and I am very grateful that we had the chance to go into so many schools and share the gospel with so many little kids. I also am very thankful for Pastor Hodges practical and pertinent advice about college and life among other things.

Patrick

I am so thankful I was able to take this trip to Honduras. Being able to go meant so much to me–from seeing how God provided the funds, to learning so much about what it means to be a missionary. Working with the Hodges for two weeks was a real blessing, because it is obvious that they love and desire to serve The Lord. Throughout the trip, God really spoke to my heart about things I should be more grateful for and how I can serve Him wherever He places me. I wouldn’t change a single thing that’s happened during the last two weeks, because I have gained more blessings than I ever thought I could. The lasting friendships and memories that I’ve made are unforgettable and I’m thankful God gave me this opportunity!

Cady

This trip has been a wonderful experience for me. I am so grateful to the Hodges for opening their home to minister to us. I feel like our team has learned so much here–whether it be depending on God more and growing our relationships with Him, learning first-hand about a different culture, or just learning to appreciate what we too often take for granted. For me personally, I have been encouraged and excited knowing that I’m going to be on the mission field one day. I have an overwhelming joy and peace knowing that God has a plan for me, and I am excited to see where He will lead me.

Sarah P

I really appreciated the opportunity to serve alongside the Hodges family the last two weeks. It was encouraging to see their heart and devotion to the field the Lord has called them to and it challenged me to be more intentional as I serve in the ministry where I have been called. It has also given me a greater appreciation for the daily sacrifices missionaries make and how important it is to encourage, support and pray for them daily.

One of the things I enjoyed most during the trip was the chance to interact with hundreds of children in the local schools. It was amazing to me to see how easy it was to go into the public schools, pass out portions of the Bible, and freely present the Gospel. Not only were we free to share, but the children also wanted to hear and receive what we had to offer. It was ironic to experience the “freedom” to share our beliefs in the Honduran schools that we are supposed to have, but are quickly losing in America.

The children were so welcoming and eager to hear what we had to present to them. It was encouraging to see what a huge impact we were able to have on the future generation of Honduras. It melted my heart to see the love that the children showed us while we were there. Despite the language barriers they were just happy to have us there and to know that we cared about them. My heart goes out to the children of Honduras whose parents aren’t attentive to their needs. I am grateful for the Hodges ministry in Honduras and because of this trip, I have a greater understanding of how many more people we need to go and help reach the lost – not just in Honduras but throughout the world. We have the truth and if we don’t share it, how will the lost know? Thank you to all who supported and prayed for us as we prepared for and went to Honduras! You have helped make our trip possible and we are so thankful for the part each of you had!

Christin

Coming into this trip I didn’t know what to expect, and coming out I am blown away. God has opened my eyes, and broken my heart for the people of Honduras. I have a new fire for lost souls, and a greater appreciation for missionaries. The trip for me, confirmed my desire to be either a “rope holder”, or full time missionary one day. Either way, wherever God leads me in this life, I will go!

Sarah B

Eye-opening—that’s the best word I can use to describe this trip. From the churches, to the schools, to the culture, there were so many lessons that I learned.

First, seeing the Hodges ministry in the church was inspiring. Even though they had a lot of trials and problem-solving moments, they had an incredible servant’s attitude and just got through it, because that’s where God has placed them. Lesson learned: God gives us strength to persevere.

Second, being able to be a small part of the lives of the kids in the schools excited me. God is calling me to be a teacher, so seeing how kids learn (or don’t learn) in another country both encouraged and saddened me. But even more than that, sharing the Gospel, God’s gift of eternal life, to hundreds of children was priceless and worth the trip in and of itself. I just keep praying that the words we said and sang, continue to work in their hearts. Lesson learned: teaching is a ministry.

Third, experiencing another culture helped get me out of the “bubble” that a lot of us Americans live in. Living without electricity, showers, vehicles, and even running water, often is just a normal part of a Honduran’s life. They’re a tough, strong people, and it’s convicting to see them not complaining a bit. Being able to experience some of those, well, disadvantages, made me grateful for what I have and appreciative of what missionaries do all over the world. Lesson learned: I am blessed.

Over all, God used this trip to change my heart. I’ve learned problem-solving on a whole new level; that teachers change lives; and that I am beyond blessed in America. Praise God for what He did!

Abbey

During these two weeks in Honduras, God has showed me how He works everything out. He has protected us during our flights and as we drove around Honduras. Through raising money, He has provided our food and a place to stay everyday while we were there. Through the preparation in team meetings and the ability to learn on the spot, God has provided the wisdom to influence others for Christ.

Also, during these weeks I have seen the heart of the Hodges for Christ and the ministry He has given them. I saw how they do their best to make true relationships with their church members. They can visit, make meals, help, and joke with each other. They can go on visitation with each other. They understand others problems and are there to help. They pray for one other. I saw how they give some of their resources to make the church and school a more pleasurable place to be. They have several buildings with tiled floors, lights, and bathrooms. If the lights go out, they give money to get candles. I also saw how they will give of their time to figure out how to obey the laws of Honduras, while still doing all they can in their ministry. For example, the Honduran government held a bus the Hodges bought for several reasons. The government wanted to check the Hodges papers and conduct safety protocol examination of the bus. So the Hodges spent 15 days communicating with the government, paying what had to be paid, and finally got the bus. They have shown how great a light can be when God is the source of the light.

Ian

I’m so thankful that God allowed me to go on this trip; it was eye-opening for me. Not only did we share the gospel by handing out hundreds of tracts and Scripture portions to school children and other people, but we also helped in church services, cleaned buses, mopped up the flooded church building, and did many other things. Through seeing missionary life firsthand, I now have a greater appreciation for missionaries and know better how to pray for them. We had many situations that required problem solving and teamwork, such as when the buses broke down, the church flooded, and the electricity went out during services. However, God was good to us throughout the whole trip, and we grew closer as a team, closer to the Hodges, and closer to God Himself.

Not only did I experience life as a missionary for two weeks, but I also learned a lot about people in general. Even though I can’t speak much Spanish, I saw how effective a smile and a positive attitude are at reaching through the language barrier. The Hondurans were thrilled when we tried to speak what Spanish we knew, and we were able to connect on a deeper level as we served God together in the different schools and churches. God showed me that people are people, no matter which country they live in. For example, when we had the big youth rally our last night in Honduras, the Honduran youth groups loved playing the same games that we play in our American youth groups. It was neat to see how God used stories and games we learned in the States to help us effectively teach Sunday school, teach children’s church, and run the games at the youth rally. God blessed our team so much through this trip, and I would love to be able to go back to Honduras someday.

Elyssa

I thought I was prepared to be in a 3rd world country, but I wasn’t. It only took minutes after leaving the airport property, on the first day, to realize that Honduras was way more backward or “primitive” than I had imagined. Everything you read says Honduras is not safe. For the most part, I felt perfectly safe. There were times where I was concerned for our young ladies, but this did not happen very often. During the daylight hours, it feels as safe as (or safer) than any major city in America. At dark, you do need to be in big groups or avoid certain parts of the cities.

The people were absolutely friendly. They seem to lack so much in just the basic things, yet for the most part are pleasant and even happy. Other than not all speaking the same language, it was easy to communicate with them. A smile and a kind look went a long, long way. They like to be showed God’s love.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the schools! The children’s faces would light up as the group sang. We did one verse in Spanish–John 3:16 and I could see several children mouthing the words as we said the verse. The children also enjoyed the puppet presentations. It was nice to see and hear pure, unaffected laughter. They also enjoyed receiving the candy, pencils, stickers, Romans, Bible story CDs, and gospel tracts. Many would begin reading the tract or Romans as soon as it was in their hands. We don’t know anyone that got saved while we were on the trip, but we know that we put the gospel in the eyes and ears of over 941 children! We pray God will help move the good news to their hearts.

I also enjoyed visiting with a real missionary family. Americans tend to go two ways with missionaries–we either think that they all live in dirt floor, mud huts, very primitively, or we think that they are super spiritual people who are not real, normal people. The Hodges are a normal, Christ-honoring family trying to lead people to Christ and to train Christians to follow God. It was a pleasure to see how they hit it off with our group. Our ladies had a good time being friends with Celina and Brooklyn. Our young men enjoyed “picking on” Brooklyn. Joseph was a hit with everyone! All the team members plan to help as Joseph comes to PCC in September to finish high school and start college. Brother Sam did a great job the first night and last night of sharing his burden for missions and for mission team members. This trip will help me to pray much more effectively for the Hodges and all missionaries!

It was also a joy to see months of hard work come together in the way of the songs, program, puppets, and witnessing. It made all of the hard work and rough times seem worth it. It will be worth it all when we see Christ is a song that comes to mind. The team members did a good job of jumping in and helping in many different areas–nursery, children’s churches, maintenance, plumbing, Sunday school classes, schools, landscaping, cleaning, dusting, church services, games, activities, and around the house and church properties. It is nice to see young people with willing hearts and willing spirits being able to serve the Lord. My prayer is that the Lord will use this trip in each of our lives to change our perspective and to help us to serve Him more effectively. Thank you to all our financial supporters and our prayer partners. Without your help and the Lord’s blessing, our trip would have been impossible! To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

Mr. Houk